FRU presence to be expanded to Sabah, Sarawak if necessary

MO,5/12/2017. KUALA LUMPUR: The police will consider beefing up its Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) especially in West Malaysia if it is deemed necessary. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said that at the moment, the FRU has 21 units with more than 2,400 personnel. “If there is a necessity, we will expand (the units) to Sabah and especially Sarawak, and also other states to ensure that issues relating to public peace and order are under control nationwide.

“We will consider (expanding) if necessary, but it would be based on allocation, not only in term of manpower but it also logistically,” he told reporters after officiating the FRU’s 62nd anniversary celebrations at the unit’s headquarters in Cheras, here today. Fuzi said he would be sending a proposal to the Public Services Department to request for personnel and would be sending another proposal to the Home Ministry to request for updated logistics.

He however did not elaborate on the number of personnel the force planned to request for, saying it would be based on the approved allocation. Fuzi said the FRU needs to be improved with updated equipment to better handle situations and also for the upcoming general election. “We need (to stock up) on gas masks, shields, and also vehicles equipped with latest technologies… we are facing the election so we need these logistics,” he said. Out of the 21 units in the FRU, one of the troops, said Fuzi, comprised of more than 80 women.

“The women’s unit (in FRU) was formed 47 years ago, but the number is still small. From the number, we might add more if needed. The role of the women’s unit is to deal with female demonstrators or detainees if necessary,” he said. The women’s unit was deployed at the recent KL SEA Games to conduct checks among female visitors as well as to conduct surveillance. Asked about the FRU’s preparation for the upcoming general election, Fuzi said the team has undergone continuous training to ensure they are prepared. So far, three exercises have been conducted and several other exercises would take place to prepare them for the election.

Meanwhile, FRU Commander Datuk Wan Abdullah Wan Ishak said that at the moment, there were no FRU personnel in Sabah and Sarawak. “We have placed one water cannon each in Sabah and Sarawak but it is under the purview of the General Operations Forces. Wan Abdullah said it would be more effective if there were FRU personnel in Sabah and Sarawak to handle any sudden issues. Currently, personnel from the federal headquarters are flown in to Sabah or Sarawak for crowd control if any major events are scheduled.